What Dad Really Wants For Father’s Day

What Dad Really Wants For Father’s Day

Father’s Day is upon us and it’s that time of year to ponder what would make an ideal gift for your Dad. With all that the Father’s in our lives do today, let’s make it a gift he will actually enjoy. Many of the men in my life love to receive a bottle for any occasion. Father’s Day is no exception and when I think of what type of liquor to gift on this day, I always think of Whiskey. That’s what many of the Dad’s I know enjoy.

First, a mini-lesson in Whiskey, because it can be a little confusing. Whiskey is a type of distilled alcohol that is made from different grains. These grains include barley, malted barley, rye, malted rye, wheat and corn. Whiskey is commonly aged in wooden casks made of white oak. There are various types of whiskies made worldwide. Malt whiskey is made from malted barley. Grain whiskey is made from any type of grain. These malts and grains are combined in many different ways.

Single malt whiskey is whiskey from a single distillery. It is made from a mixture that uses only one grain. The name of the single malt is usually that of the distillery. An example and a favorite of my Uncle Lenny is The Glenlivit.

Blended whiskies are usually made from a mixture of malt and grain whiskies, often adding other neutral spirits (pure grain alcohol), caramel and other flavors. If a whiskey is simply called Scotch, Canadian or Irish, it is typically a blend. Jameson Irish Whiskey is an example, and also a favorite of my Uncle Frank.

The United States produces over 99 percent of its whiskey in 13 large distilleries. Bourbon is a type of American whiskey that is made mainly from corn. While Bourbon can be made anywhere in the U.S., it is generally associated with the South, Kentucky in particular. The legal definition of “Bourbon” varies from country to country, however many trade agreements require the name to be applied to products made for consumption only in the U.S., and not intended for export. Some examples of Bourbons include Jim Beam, Maker’s Mark and Wild Turkey, my brother-in-law Sean’s favorite. The ever-popular Jack Daniel’s is distilled in the state of Tennessee and is referred to as a “Tennessee Whiskey”. Jack Daniel’s had just introduced a new whiskey, Jack Honey, which is one you ladies wouldn’t mind toasting to Father’s Day with, as it’s a whiskey with a nice honey taste. Bird Dog, a Blackberry Whiskey is also one of the sweeter tasting whiskies and also a good choice for that special Dad in your life.

Many other countries produce whiskies and if a whiskey is referred to as “Scotch” it is distilled in Scotland. Scotch whiskies are usually distilled twice, but some are distilled up to twenty times. The main types of Scotch are malt and grain and are combined to make blends. An example, and my Dad’s favorite brand, is Dewar’s. Canada produces two popular whiskies as well. Seagram’s VO, a favorite of my Grandfather and Crown Royal, a favorite of my husband and the father of my children, Mark.

Whatever whisky you choose, and whether it be a single malt or a blend, Bourbon or Scotch, would make a great Father’s Day gift! As you can see it is a favorite among the father’s in my family.

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Another great gift idea for dad: The Glencairn Glass

Dad’s love whiskey. It’s a drink to be savored, but unlike Champagne, Brandy, and Wine, it doesn’t have its own glass. Raymond Davidson decided it was time for a proper whisky glass, one that’s roots lie in the traditional nosing glasses, crafted to enhance the enjoyment of whisky. The tapered mouth and wide bowl of The Glencairn Glass is recognized and used by whisky connoisseurs around the world and it has won numerous accolades including the Queens Award, the highest award for business in the UK. It may have taken a while, but whisky now has a glass of its own and Dad’s will love the added touch to their gifted bottle of whiskey.